It was brought to my attention in Mexico, that a generator
will not run a transformer style welder. Because the
generator doesn't idle up quick enough when you strike an arc.
This I believe to be true, but I will test this spring. Its
worth pointing out, NEVER plug your electronic welders into a
generator. They may well work, but they require "clean power"
and cheap generators don't provide that, causing electronic
failures. I have seen two expensive welders damaged this way.
As usual, the solutions in the Smith family, far out weigh the
problems. The obvios solution, besides hooking up the over
priced Alberta utility, is to build a welder generator. I
even have the old chysler gasser alternator from the voyager
diesel conversion, to put to use there. Now I just need to
decide on a prime mover. My fav would be the chrysler VW
deisel van, but I will need the welder to finish that project.
So its either a nice portable gas generator style, or an
electric motor driven style, reliant on my big generator, but
one less carberator to clean, pull cord to snap, oil to
change, blah, blah, blah.
I won't tell you how to do it until I have done it, besides This guy does a great job of explaining the basics of using a car alternator as a welder. If that link doesn't work its http://home.comcast.net/~t.molnar/Obwelder1.htm
The Gas powered alternator welder, vs..... the electric generator compatible welder
Tell me what you think I should do.
2 comments:
so running an alt off an electric motor is more cost effective then to use the grid?
Not so. But when there is no power available welding machines tend to have problems running on generators. Transformer style generators don't get enough amperage fast enough, and electronic generators tend to need cleaner power than generators provide.
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